Christmas is a magical time in any child’s life. It doesn’t matter whether you are rich or poor, there’s something undeniably special about Christmas. As a child, it’s the sense of wonder that is created by the stories we are told and our own vivid imaginations. Twinkling fairy lights suddenly transform our ordinary surroundings into something extraordinary. Santa’s secret, snow-capped world comes to life full of elves, reindeer and toys. Chimneys are no longer just chimneys, but gateways of possibilities, while the crinkle of colourful paper offers countless delights.
Nothing quite compares to the incredible smell of a fresh, pine tree standing in your home. And it doesn’t matter how many decorations you put on your Christmas tree, it never looks tacky or overdone. Add some tinsel, baubles, crackers, candy canes, Christmas stockings, wreaths, stars and snowmen and the scene is set for a very merry occasion.
And don’t forget about the food. At Christmas time, cookies and chocolates abound, which put smiles on the faces of both adults and children alike. There are hot turkeys and stuffing, roasted chestnuts, crispy potatoes, creamy vegetables, cranberry sauce, Christmas cake, hot, saucy puddings and gingerbread houses. With lots of options and plenty to eat, everyone gets to enjoy some sort of tasty, mouth-watering treat.
Of course, Christmas is an entirely different experience for adults and children. While children see the magic and wonder of this season, as adults we often lose our childlike enthusiasm for this event. Christmas trees, decorations, advent calendars and presents are supposedly for children and we tell ourselves that these things are unnecessary for grown-ups.
Instead, Christmas for adults is about spending quality time with our families. It’s about sharing good food and conversation with the people we love most and often don’t get to see at other times of the year. Christmas brings people together and gives us the opportunity to share and show that we care. It’s a time to connect and reconnect, to forgive and forget, to laugh and to love, to enjoy and give joy. It’s the one time of the year, when we can forget about our problems and worries and focus on something beyond ourselves.
It’s not hard to see that Christmas is a magical time for many reasons regardless of whether you are an adult or a child. Although, I must confess that I personally like to embrace my inner child at Christmas time. Obviously, I no longer believe in elves and a fat, jolly man riding around on rooftops in his sleigh, but I still like to delight in everything else that Christmas has to offer. I still enjoy Christmas trees, advent calendars and presents as much as any child does. To me, the beauty of Christmas is in all the small things that make this such a memorable time of the year.
So while Christmas may mean different things to different people, there’s no denying the many gifts that Christmas brings. After all, the true magic of Christmas is in the joy and the love, and in the sharing and the caring.
Audrey Whyte 
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